Wheel block with removable toothed foot



Dec. 2, 1958 Filed May 6, i955 r w., F. JlCHA ET AL 2,862,579

WHEEL BLOCK WITH REMOVABLE 'roo'rman FOOT 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I INVVNT Rs. ZMa/Za AJfaia 7770/2402 C MW Dec. 2-, 1958 w. JICHA ET AL 2,862,579

WHEEL BLOCK WITHREMOVABLE TOOTHED FOOT FiledMayfi; 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 mug/Tom walZ/fife/zpka, BYJVa/wn 614 145073,

Front wall 22 is suitably concaved transversely to fit the are included therein to reduce the weight of the block.

Further note that the front wall is additionally formed on an are or radius, the center of which is'located below the center of the wheel circle ill. This feature creates the tipping and gripping functioning outlined briefly by Figures l and 2 of the drawings and described previously.

The rear arm members 23, 23 slope in oblique fashion between the rear edge 24 of the base wall 21 and the upper end of front wall 22. It will be seen that arm members 23 each comprise one leg of a pair of triangular walls or webs located at the opposite ends of the cast block member the same web being distinguished by a triangular shape hand opening 32 which serves to define the arm members 23 and additionally provides a reinforcing fillet wall portion 33 adjacent the lower front corner 12 of the block. The openings 32 also increase the grip of the tire on the block so that the tire tends to ride up on the block to a certain extent and the pressure is applied more effectively on the calks, as shown in Figure 2. Each arm member 23 is also provided with a transverse flange portion 34 at its extreme rearward edge which serves as a strengthening means. A rib member 36 is also formed centrally along the back face of front wall 22 for strengthening that wall (see Figure 4).

The block 20 of our invention may be generally described as a triangular-shaped hollow article having a sloping wheel engaging wall 22 which is concaved transversely to conform to or fit the curvature of an automobile tire and which is also inclined to the vertical and formed at a radius substantially identical or conforming to the radius of the automobile wheel, but having a center for its radius of formation located below the center of rotation for the Wheel. The several wall portions are of course cast integrally as a unit from a suitable metal or alloy selected to provide adequate mechanical strength while giving the minimum weight to the article. The wedge or triangular shape of the block provides obvious utility in chocking a wheel against rolling movement and is especially useful with heavy trucks and the like. The provision of the two separate arm portions 23, 23 serve to give the user a pair of manually engageable handles or portions which may be gripped easily for handling purposes and which permit the safe insertion thereof against a wheel. Since there are two such handles, the user is afforded maximum versatility in placing the block either behind or in front of a wheel and from either side thereof. Preferably two such blocks are provided for each vehicle; the same being interchangeable for either right or lefthand wheels.

To add to the gripping function of our improved block assembly, we have devised the new and improved foot plate indicated generally at 13. The foot member 13 preferably is a steel casting and comprises a substantially elongated metal bar 39 having a plurality of depending triangular-shaped calks or teeth 40, 40 spaced along its rearward edge. A simple dowel means 41 projects centrally upward of the plate 39 and in an opposite direction from the teeth 40 thereon. Dowel pin 41 is arranged for reception in opening 26 formed in the bed plate 21 of the block member 20; such dowel cooperating with a cotter pin means 42 for holding the foot plate in position beneath the rear edge of the wheel block. Additional means for locating the foot plate with respect to the wheel block and preventing its rotation with respect to the block casting, comprise two elongated raised boss portions 43, 43 spaced on opposite sides and in coplanar alignment with the central dowel member 41. Such boss portions 43, 43 are insertable in openings of the bed plate 21, so that they extend therethrough when the foot plate is attached to the bed plate in the manner illustrated particularly in Figures 4 and 6 of the drawings.

It will be recognized that by providing the boss portions sistance to shearing of the connection between the block casting and foot plate 13 is afforded, giving improved strength and ruggedness to the assembly. In previously known wheel block devices of the character employing any type of removable foot members, bolt or rivet members have been used to interconnect the same. Such connectors are not successful due to the shearing forces applied thereagainst by the wheel block tending to move relative to the foot plate which is anchored in the ground. The increased cross sectional areas provided by the expedient herein presented, gives improved resistance to such breakdown of a block assembly of this character and is thus thought to constitute an improved advancement in this art.

To even further increase resistance to shear and relative motion between the removable foot plate 13 and the block 20 of our invention, the modified foot plate 13a of Figure 7 is proposed; the same being substantially identical to our first described foot plate 13 with the exception of the additional provision of an upwardly extending lip portion 45 at the rearward edge of plate 39a. This lip portion is arranged to extend behind the lower rear extremity 24 of the cast block 20 to thus provide added support against which the block may work when loaded. The lip portion coupled with the boss members 43 and dowel pin 41 gives even greater resistance to disengagement of the block member from the removable foot member than that found in our first described form of the device.

Since the foot members 13 or 13a, as the case may be, are removable, they are conveniently heat-treated to provide improved hardness over the material of the wheel block 20. As a consequence, the calk portions of the foot plate may be hardened and heat-treated to give added wear resistance and ruggedness to this construction.

Having thus described the features of our improved safety wheel block, it is believed that its utility will be easily recognized. We have found that a block of this character has particular adaptability for use in maintenance trucks of the type employed by public utilities wherein storage space is relatively limited. The overall dimensions of the block, its lightness and the dual arm portions 23, 23 thereon permit its easy handling by operating personnel. The fact that there are a pair of arms 23, one on each side of the block, also makes it easier for the user to place the same behind the wheel of the truck in a safer manner since he does not have to reach as far under the truck as he would if only a single central handle were provided. The provision of the removable foot member is, of course, desirable since its removable nature adapts the wheel block for use with both hard and soft road surfaces, the latter especially since it is desirable in such circumstances to prevent tearing'up of the road bed, as for example in black-top highways.

The removable nature of the foot member also permits special heat-treating thereof to give the same improved hardness and wearability over the casting of the large wheel block per se. Further, by having the lugs or calks of the foot member integral with the foot member, increased strength is provided. By forming the dowel member and the upwardly extending lug portions 43, 43 integral with the foot plate 39, the foot member automatically aligns itself when mounted on the bed plate 21. The simple cotter pin connection means provides extreme simplicity as a mode of connection although other types of connectors might be employed in the same circumstances with equal facility. The further provision of forming the curved front wall 22 on the wheel block so that its center of curvature is located below the center of the wheel with which it is to be employed, provides for the automatic setting operation for driving the calk members into the road bed by simply rolling the wheel against the wheel block.

The modified form of block in Figures 8 to 11, inclu- "si-ve, isthe eaine as that shown in'Figures l-to-6, in-

forwardly therefrom. "-The 'pad 45 increases in thickness toward its forward end and has a flat upper face 46 which is inclined upwardly and forwardly from opening 26.' The foot plate 47 is similar to foot plate 13a of Figure 7 and is provided, at its rearward edge, with an upwardly extending lip or-flange 48 which abuts the rearward edge of bediplzite 21a. Foot plate 47 is provided with i pwardly extending bosses 43a corresponding to and fitting snugly-through openings 25 in bed plate 21a, as previously described. The foot plate 47 is provided, at its rear edge, with spaced downwardly extending calks or teeth 40a and is further provided, at' its m le t with a w d p i t ngrin r and which extends through opening 26 and a material distance above bed plate 214;. The stud 49 provided with a diametrical slot 50 extending a substantial distance above the upper face of bed plate 2 1g. The slot 50 receives the f a s in t e ke 5. s m isin an eye 52 and arms 53 connected together, at their outer ends, by eye 52. The inner or forward portions of arms 53 f ke 5. bea u on h er far o ad 45 and the upper edges of arms 53 bears against the stud 49 at the upper .end .of slot 50, arms 53 being of appro priate Width to that end. After the foot plate, 617 has been properly positionedon the bl with key 51 in- .serted throughstud 49, the key 51 sdriven forwardly t aws-. 1 are 49 by in itwi h a su t tqq Ka j l n d rip a e A pf pad 45 exerts a powerful wedgi g eflect which forces foot plate .47 against bed plate 21 41 and ,clamps it tightly thereto. The foot plate 47 may readily be released for removal by removal of key 51, conveniently eifected by means of a suitable tool inserted into the eye 52 thereof. it will be noted that in the several forms of our inven- 51, in cooperation with the in lion shown the lower forward portien of the block is well rounded 'to providef at 12' a nose of substantial radius. Also, the upper portion of the front wall 22 of the block is well rounded at 14. It sometimes happens that a tire is driven completely over a block, which tilts part way over and the tire passes over the top edge of the block. In such cases, if the block has sharp edges the tire in passing over the block is cut or bruised to such an extent that it blows out. The block of our invention is free of sharp corners or edges, which eliminates risk of cutting or bruising of the tire and resultant blow out. The bed plate 21 or 21a of the block provides a bearing surface of substantial area capable of supporting heavy loads and which guards against the block cutting or sinking into a road way or other supporting surface to objectionable extent under load. Additionally, the bcd plate, in cooperation with the top wall 22, provides effective reinforcement for the block for restraining separation or spreading apart of the side walls thereof. The provision of the bed plate assures adequate mechanical strength of the block when the back thereof is left open as shown. By having the back of the block open, the members 23 may be eifectively grasped by the hands to serve as handles for positioning the block or for withdrawing it from under a wheel. In some cases the block may not be accessible for grasping the members 23 by hand and access to the sides of the block may be obstructed. In such cases a suitable hooked rod or tool may be inserted through the open back of the block and engaged with the members 23 for withdrawing the block. Likewise, when conditions render it difficult to position the block by grasping the members 2-3 by hand, a suitable tool may be-inser-ted through the open back-of the block'and engaged with members 23 for positioning the block. Also; the bosses and stud for positioning and securing the foot plate are readily accessible through the open back and, if they become stuck, may be tapped with a hammer or other suitable tool for releasing them. :There are thus numerous practical advantages'in having-the back of the block open for-the purposes stated.

The rounded nose-12 of-the block facilitates rearward tilting thereof for forcing the calks or cleats into the supporting surface as above described. The bottom wall or bed plate is free ofcleats or other downward projections so that by removing the foot plate the block is rendered well suited for'support upon surfaces, such as black top for example, which should not be penetrated or tornup by cleats or like elements. A iso, the provision of cleats on the bottom wall itself of the block would interfere with the rearward tilting of the block and penetration of the cleats 40 into the supporting surface. Such interference would be substantially increased by the provision of cleats at the forward bottom wall, with the likelihood that such cleats would be broken off in the rearward tilting of the block after the forward cleats had been forced into the supporting su a e ur h b Pm in fl et at th ea on y of the block, when the foot plate is secured thereto, by a si th r a H 09K ufi ret to re a e t e et f om t surgeries u farr the ack mayi f adi y h sl 29 1 e e th the vs ig s wher- F m a o t e aba e-it m y be pas s tha e have presented herewith a new and improved wheel bloc k a s mbly a n rs fi h fut l as i u nrs spe a in hs a in ust ia t u ks-ea? s m la a isl s- The sa ty ea u e hir a in er nt in it ,c nsiwcti a e b l d t e put a si a a dt i ersa i it .afis dd y the smpva l 0? P a da t the assembl for bat hard and soft surfaces. Also, the fact that the foot plate ma be h at-t a e s l n a mh l earabi t' is @6 some is be a outs andin a anta e in th glass of article. 7

Th s q e Whfl? W av he e show a d d sr hgd the features and concepts of ourinvention as related to P efer d a t p mqdifi d. em od ment of its P im p l l and i e we n e s an hat n mero c an s. modifications and substitutions of equivalents may" be made therein, we nevertheless do not feel that such alterations will depart from the spirit and scope of our invention. As a consequence, We do not wish to be limited to the particular form and features of our invention as here! in described and illustrated except as may appearin the following appended claims,

We claim:

1. In a wheel block having a body which includes side-. walls and wheel engageable front wall means connecting the sidewalls and curving upwardly, the improvement which comprises bottom wall means connecting said side-. walls adjacent their rearward portions, a removable foot plate adapted to seat against the underside of said bottom wall means and having downwardly extending frictional means for engaging with a supporting surface, means adapted to interconnect said foot plate and the block, said bottom wall means having a plurality of apertures, and said foot plate having a plurality of upwardly extending anti-shear means corresponding in shape to said apertures and adapted to fit therein, one of said anti-shear means extending upwardly a greater distance than the others and having a rotatable fit with its aperture whereby it may locate said foot plate relative to the bottom wall means and, by its rotatability in said aperture, permits the other anti-shear means to be more easily directed to their respective apertures for insertion therethrough.

2. In a wheel block having a body which includes sidewalls and wheel engageable front wall means connecting the sidewalls and curving upwardly, the improvement which comprises bottom wall means connecting said sidewalls adjacent their rearward portions, a removable foot plate adapted to seat against the underside of said bottom wall means and having downwardly extending frictional means for engaging with a supporting surface, means adapted to interconnect said foot plate and the block, said bottom wall means having aperture means, said foot plate having upwardly extending anti-shear means fitting through said aperture means in the bottom Wall means, and vertically extending flange means carried by said foot plate and adapted to engage the rear edge of said bottom wall means.

3. In a wheel block having a body which includes sidewalls and wheel engageable front wall means connecting the sidewalls and curving upwardly, the improvement which comprises bottom wall means connecting said sidewalls adjacent their rearward portions, a removable foot plate adapted to seat against the underside of said bottom wall means and having downwardly extending frictional means for engaging with a supporting surface, means adapted to interconnect said foot plate and the block, said bottom wall means having a plurality of apertures and said foot plate having a plurality of upwardly extending anti-shear means corresponding in shape to said apertures and adapted to fit therein, one of said anti-shear means extending upwardly a greater distance than the others and having a rotatable fit with its aperture whereby it may locate said foot plate relative to the bottom wall means and, by is rotatability in said aperture, permits the other anti-shear means to be more easily directed to their respective apertures for insertion therethrough, said one of said anti-shear means having a diametrical slot and said bottom wall means having an upwardly inclined surface adjacent to said slot, said interconnecting means comprising removable key means in said slot, said key means by its top edge engaging the top of said slot and by its bottom edge engaging against said upwardly inclined surface to cam said foot plate tightly against said bottom wall means.

4. In a wheel block having a body which includes side walls and wheel engageable front wall means connecting the sidewalls and curving upwardly, the improvement which comprises said front wall means having a curvature approximating the curvature of the wheel to be blocked, bottom wall means connecting said sidewalls adjacent their rearward portions, a removable foot plate adapted to seat against the underside of said bottom Wall means and having downwardly extending frictional means for engaging with a supporting surface, the downwardly extending frictional means extending vertically d0WnWard ly at the rear edge of the removable foot plate, and the downward extension of said frictional means and the length of said block from its front to said frictional means being such that, when the block rests on a flat supporting surface, said front walls curvature is non-tangential relative to said surface and a wheel moving toward said block from the front will first contact the top of said front wall means, thereby forcing said downwardly extending frictional means into firm engagement with the supporting surface before the wheel comes to rest in contact with the remainder of said front wall means, and means adapted to interconnect said foot plate and the block, said bottom wall means having aperture means, and said foot plate having upwardly extending anti-shear means fitting through said aperture means in the bottom wall means.

5. The improvement of claim 4 wherein the back of the block is open to provide ready access to the means which is adapted to connect the foot plate and the block, and wherein said side walls have openings of substantial area providing, in conjunction with said back opening, upwardly and forwardly inclined handles at the rear of the block, which handles may be grasped from both the rear and sides thereof during placement or removal of the block.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 919,303 Atkins Apr. 27, 1909 990,473 Corbeau Apr. 25, 1911 1,076,152 Rode Oct. 21, 1913 1,079,020 Perrine Nov. 18, 1913 1,893,580 Colley Jan. 10, 1933 2,182,044 Ackerman Dec. 5, 1939 2,613,764 Worden Oct. 14, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 15,452 France May 3, 1912 504,586 Germany Aug. 6, 1930 922,396 Germany Jan. 13, 1955 205,322 Great Britain Oct. 18, 1923 

